In man, epidemics of mumps, rubella and coxsakievirus infections have been associated with subsequent increases in the incidence of type I diabetes.

In the child with diabetes who is otherwise healthy, infections as well as other acute illnesses are not more severe, not more frequent and not more difficult to treatment than in a child without diabetes. However, any acute may cause changes in insulin requirements and therefore a tendency to develop ketoacidosis. Almost all infections cause an increased need insulin.